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"The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created" RCW 42.30.010
SJI School To Interview Candidates For Principal
The San Juan Island School District will conduct Elementary School Principal interviews on Tuesday May 20, and again on Thursday, May 22. The community and parents are invited to attend and be a part of the process. The afternoon meetings that will run from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. in the elementary school library
Part of the interview process will include a parent meeting held each day of the interviews to meet and talk with the candidates. Candidates will make introductory remarks and then be open to questions from the public The public may also provide written comments and feedback about the candidates to the Committee.
Tuesday, May 20th Anita Roth, Principal Intern/Elementary Literacy Facilitator, Tacoma School District, Tacoma, WA
2007-2008 Principal Intern, McCarver Elementary, Tacoma, WA
2003-2008 Literacy Facilitator, Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma, WA
2001-2003 Instructional Facilitator, Mann Elementary, Tacoma, WA
1985-2001 Elementary Special Education Teacher, Snoqualmie and Tacoma, WA
Thursday, May 22nd Gary Pflueger, Principal, Salmon Middle School, Salmon, ID
2003-2008 Principal, Salmon Middle School, Salmon, ID
1995-2003 Principal, Brooklyn Elementary School, Salmon, ID
1987-1995 Principal, St. Anthony Elementary School, Pocatello, ID
1982-1988 Teacher, Alternative 5-8 School, Pocatello, ID
Community Action Month
(John Manning accepts a certificate proclaiming May as “Community Action Month”)
The San Juan County Council has proclaimed May to be “Community Action Month” and cited the Opportunity Council, the Community Action Agency in San Juan County, for 43 years of service to the citizens of Northwest Washington.
The Opportunity Council was one of nearly 1,000 Community Action Agencies created nationally by the “War on Poverty” and the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It provides a variety of services to low income and homeless people in San Juan, Whatcom and Island Counties.
Last year the Council provided home energy assistance to more than 100 families in San Juan County and did extensive weatherization to nine homes in the County at a cost of more than $8,500 each.
In addition to recognizing the Agency’s work, the Council authorized the signing of a letter of support for the Opportunity Council’s application for $100,000 federal grant to provide housing assistance to low income residents in the three counties it serves.
April 2nd: Fundraiser For Stormwater Legal Costs
The County Council has released their long awaited draft stormwater ordinance, and for some it is already being called a step backward (letter to Councilman Petersen) from the original stormwater funding ordinance that resulted in expensive legal action by citizens opposed to it, and then by the County Council who in response to the filing of the first county initiative, attempted to keep the matter from coming to a vote of the people.
A fund raising party by supporters of the initiative that killed the first funding ordinance has been scheduled for Wednesday the 2th, both as a celebration of the initiative, and also as a means to pay off the legal bill that Alex Gavora incurred as a result of walking in and simply filing the initiative -an act that resulted in her being sued by the County Council.
“Normal” Service Will Resume -WSD Director Moseley
(David Moseley and Jayne Davis of WSF answer questions from the public)
David Moseley has been the Washington State Ferries Director for only eight days, but he made time on Wednesday (3-12-08) to come to San Juan County to answer questions from the County Council, invited members of the Friday Harbor Town Council, and members of the SJC Ferry Advisory Committee.
Moseley made note In his introductory remarks that while he comes to the job with over thirty years of public administration and management experience, he is without any prior maritime experience, but indicated he was selected for the position based on Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond’s goal of bringing leadership and management abilities “to move the ferry system forward and restore the public trust and confidence in the ferry system.”
Like all good managers, Moseley had already drawn up a list of priorities, which he shared with the assembly. The first was to build new boats; a process that is already underway; but under some direct questioning, Moseley said the first boat new boat that will be ready for service in San Juan County is now only in the design stage, and will not sail for at least two, or three, years.
His second priority is the maintenance of the existing boats, with a goal of resuming normal service by early fall of this year. The Council did not ask for a definition of “normal”, so it was not clear if the fall will bring steady and consistent service, or only that there will be the normal number of boats with the normal amount of capacity assigned to the SJC runs.
The third goal is to continue to work with the various state committees and commissions to meet the goals set out in the passage of the so-called “ferry Bill” by the state legislature; goals that are to be met by 2009. Related to this is his forth goal of meeting and working with local communities and groups; a process he said that his type of management style.
The Council had prepared two “action needed” requests, the first was to “fund an independent economic analysis of the relationship and impact of ferry fares…and allow no increases until the analysis is completed.” The second was to have more of a say in how WSF actions affect SJC.
Councilman Alan Lichter express concern that too often decisions have been made that affect the community without consulting with the community. Moseley said he would “love to hear how we can do better. That is exactly what we want to do.”
Moseley promised to consider ways to involve the County planning and policy discussions. He also promised to be a frequent visitor to the County, with his first return visit in just three weeks when he attends the April 2nd meeting of the San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee.
A question was about the future of passenger only ferries, and Moseley said WSF will no longer be involved, that “will reside in county government”. He said it will be up the counties to create and fund such programs
The Council asked if there was a contingency plan for SJC if ferries broke down. Moseley said up “until Fall, we will have no vessels in reserve so we have very little flexibility,” he said. If any other boats have to be taken out of service, the problems will “ripple throughout the system.” The system has had a succession of service and maintenance problems since the four 1927 vintage steel electric ferries were permanently taken out of service last November because of safety concerns.
Councilman Howard Rosenfeld brought up the subject of the spot checks by the Border Patrol in Anacortes. Moseley said they too were concerned, but there was nothing they could do.
Discussions On Future Transfer Station Monday
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee will discuss the five proposed sites for a new solid waste transfer station, commonly once referred to as a "dump." The main topic on Monday the 17th will be wetlands, and how, and if they impact any of the proposed sites.
In Monday’s presentation Public Works and CD&P will discuss the location and size of the five proposed sites. AMEC, the consulting firm that is preparing the draft EIS, will have their wetlands expert there to present what a report on wetlands (e.g., the number and location) at the five proposed sites: Egg Lake, Sutton Road, Beaverton Valley Road, Golf Course Road and Daniel Lane; all on San Juan Island.
AGENDA
SAN JUAN COUNTY
SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
March 17, 2008
Islanders Bank, Friday Harbor11:45 Call to Order and Introductions (Bob Freehauf)
11:50 Approval of Minutes (Bob Freehauf)
12:00 Citizen Comments (Bob Freehauf)
12:15 Draft EIS discipline report regarding wetlands (Gary Harshman, AMEC Environmental)
1:15 Draft supplemental analysis regarding conceptual site layouts for the purpose of site selection only (Gary Harshman, AMEC Environmental)
1:45 Adjourn
2nd Council District Community Meeting Scheduled
 Second District County Councilman Rich Peterson, , has announced that he has scheduled a community meeting on February 16th at 10:00 a.m. at the Roche Harbor Pavilion. He hopes that residents with an interest in issues affecting them will attend the meeting and offer their views.
Rich has been in office slightly over a year and is interested in feedback on perceptions of the council’s general effectiveness during this period as well as his specific performance.
This meeting will also serve as an opportunity for residents to help shape the council agenda for the future. Rich will provide a survey which he hopes many of the attendees will complete in order to assist him in developing priorities for the future and best serving the interests of the second district and the county as
a whole.
The 2nd District encompasses roughly the north half of the island, excluding the Town of Friday Harbor. Interested members of the community outside the district are also welcome to attend.
Hard copies of the survey will be available at the County Council Office and may be downloaded from the County website at Survey
New County Veterans’ Advisory Board Formed
The San Juan County Veterans’ Advisory Board (SJVAB) to the County Council will hold their second meeting Friday, January 25, 2008 at 11:30 am – 2:-00 pm in the large conference room (formerly called the Countrywide Room) in the Legislative Building across from the Courthouse, 55 Second Street.
The Board held their first organizational meeting on December 20, 2007. The SJVAB is a state-mandated county board that makes recommendations for the awarding of money that has been collected for a Veterans’ Relief Fund. All counties in the Washington are required by law to set aside one and one-eight cents per thousand dollars each year that is collected from property taxes. This years total budget was $56,000.00 (which included a carry-over from last year).
The money is to be used to help indigent veterans, and families of indigent veterans, who have medical, housing, and treatment needs that they cannot afford to provide for themselves. Applicants in need may make application to a VAB, who will review the application, and based on evidence and testimony, the VAB will make a recommendation for an award of funds.
The state program has been in existence for a number of years, but until now it has been informally administered by local American Legion Posts who made their recommendations directly to the SJC Auditor. While this has served the purpose, it failed to meet proper procedure.
AJC Auditor Milene Henley brought the matter up in a report the Council, and recommended that a formal board be formed as required by the state. Members of the SJVAB must be a veteran, and since Alan Lichter is the only veteran on the board, he took the lead to bring the County into compliance.
Lichter worked with Jerry Pfannenstiel, Veterans Services Coordinator for Washington State Veterans Advisory, to form a local board, and asked the council members to nominate county veterans to be on the board. A total of twelve names were submitted, and from them, a selection was made of the eight that are required to be on the board.
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The members of the board are: Alan Lichter, Chairman (Army); Jack Cory (Army); Roger Salquist (Navy); Brent Johnson (Air Force); Mike Kaill (Navy); Michael Baker (Army); Robert Cook (Air Force); Ron Metcalf (Air Force) , and Susie Teague; (Army)
John Linde Is The New Judge
Wednesday 2:40 P.M. John Linde has been appointed to be the new Superior Court Judge of San Juan County
 Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of John O. Linde as San Juan County Judge, a newly created full-time position. Linde’s appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2008.
Previously, San Juan and Island counties shared judges. Past stories on the judgeship question
“As a resident of Friday Harbor for 35 years, John has a history with San Juan County that will be important in this new position,” said Gov. Gregoire. “I’m pleased to appoint someone to the bench with the depth of professional and personal experience that John has in that area.”
CC Splits Vote, Rejects Fee To Study Stormwater
(Still friends after split vote on Stormwater Ord -Knapp not pictured, Ranker absent)
The County Council subcommittee on stormwater gave it their best shot, but failed to come up with a new funding ordinance for an existing stormwater utility. The interim ordinance was authored primarily by Councilman Rosenfeld, and promoted as a one year quick fix to raise money in 2008 for planning, monitoring, data gathering, and to staff a technical committee on stormwater. (previous story)
The final proposal was for a Basic Fee to be paid by all property owners in San Juan County. The fee would show up on all 2008 tax bills. Part of the money would be used to “measure the actual impermeable surface areas” of all of the commercial, institutional, and industrial parcels in San Juan County. This could then be used to calculate the amount of the fee they may have to pay once a new ordinance is passed in 2009.
Knapp said he was willing to go along with Rosenfeld’s draft, “but I put more of my confidence in the one that will follow next year.” Peterson told the Council the proposed interim ordinance did not fully address the issues that resulted in voter rejection, and Councilman Alan Lichter shared Peterson’s general concerns.
Here We Go Again? CC Takes Up Storm Water Ord
The .County Council subcommittee on stormwater has agreed upon a first draft -well sort of, Committee Chair Rich Peterson said the three member committee has 2.5 votes in favor of it; which does not bode well for a quick and satisfactory resolution for a stormwater funding mechanism the public will find acceptable. (Previous story & links)
The full County Council will discuss Draft One of the ordinance today (Council Room, 2:15 p.m., Tuesday, December 18) as a part of their normal work session. While the public may attend, public comment is not normally allowed during their “work sessions”.
But according to the County, Tuesday is the last day to start the formal process of adopting an ordinance for 2008. The Draft includes a Sunset Clause that will “terminate” the ordinance one year from adoption.
Regardless of the outcome of today’s meeting, the Council has stated they will work on a new ordinance to replace the one the voters previously rejected by a two to one margin.
the new proposal from the subcommittee is intended to simply generate some money in 2008, and is not being advertised as anything beyond that. The ideal was suggested by Councilman Howard Rosenfeld. The overall content of the draft differs little from the original funding ordinance that was rejected by two to one vote in the last election, but there are some changes.
Suit Over Ballot Bar Codes Will Go To Trial
Green Party members Tim While and Allan Rosato filed a law suit last year against San Juan County in an attempt to force the County to stop printing unique bar codes on the county’s election ballots.
The suit claimed that the bar codes could be used to trace how people voted, thus violating fundamental constitutional rights, as well as state and Federal laws, that guarantee the sanctity of a secret ballot.
At the time of filing they explained they had made repeated attempts to resolve the problem “by presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, the new County Council, the Elections Department, the County Elections Canvassing Board, and the County Prosecuting Attorney". Those attempts failed, so ”as a measure of last resort,” they filed the suit.
These things take time, and by November of this year they found themselves fighting motions brought by Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord to have the case dismissed, “because the county legislative body has no role” in how or what type of ballot audit system is used. It is the auditor that has that power, he told the court.
Gaylord also stated the “procedural due process” should be dismissed. White and Rosato’s attorney, Jerome R. Cronk had argued that the system being used by the county “deprive Plaintiffs of their due process right to the sanctity of the secret ballot under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”
31 Million -Or More- For A Hospital
(Red line shows property currently owned, the blue line shows various properties that need to be purchased or acquired - Note: "P" is parking, "S&R" is Shipping & Receiving)
Approximately 40 people showed up on Wednesday night to hear a presentation on the costs of two options that were presented as a part of an ongoing study to build a hospital on San Juan island.
Option-1: would convert the existing medical center into a hospital and build a new “occupancy space” and a new clinic.
Option-2: constructing a 30,000 square foot hospital, while sprucing up the existing 10,000 square foot medical clinic to complement the look of the new hospital.
Option one would upgrade the clinic to a hospital, with a total estimated project cost of $33,956,143.
Option two would leave the clinic as is, and build a new hospital. Total cost is estimate to be $31,283,339.
And for additional quarter million dollars a helo pad could be provided on the roof, or on the grounds of the new site.
Stormwater Sub-Committee Reports Disagreement
The SJC Council Sub-Committee has reported back to the full committee that, while they were unable to reach full agreement on what to do, they did amass a large amount of material, and received valuable input from the two public meetings ; out of which they were able to draw the following conclusions.
• A flat rate alone is not appropriate for funding capital projects.
• Significant vegetation removal or altering the natural landscape should be considered development.
• A standing Citizen's Advisory Committee should be part of any new funding ordinance. The Committee should make recommendations with respect to which projects should be accomplished annually. Members of the original Stormwater Advisory Committee should be invited to continue with the new Committee. Consideration of a broader county-wide representation should be made when creating the new Committee.
• A sun setting clause should be part of any new ordinance.
• The current system for evaluating storm water problems on new development is problematic and needs to be examined.
• The utility should be county-wide with specific problem area emphasis.
• Credit for self mitigation should be given, perhaps as a percentage discount off the utility fee, but not the base rate.
• Undeveloped property should be charged a base rate.
• The storm water drainage plan for the Eastsound UGA needs to show how the storm drainage facilities will be provided over the 20 year planning period.
Committee member Howard Rosenfeld submitted a draft of a “Stormwater Basic Fee Concept for ‘08’” that would, if adopted, set a basic fee amount of $10.00 to be levied against all properties in the county -unless on an island without county roads.
County Gains Some Important Support For Priorities
The WSAC Legislative Steering Committee has voted to endorse San Juan County’s legislative priorities to improve ferry service; renew funding for the “Salmon Recovery Lead Entity Program”; support funding the year-round operation of the Neah Bay Rescue Tug; and may support legislation providing state protection for Orca Whales.
Four out of six is not bad. For the past year the County Council has debated what should appear on a list of “County Priorities” that could be presented to the state legislature in hopes of gaining some state support.
The County Councils decision that what was needed was a list of legislative priorities took then off on debate of what should be included, and what not, that has been an on going topic for the last year, and now, at last, some success in gaining support from the Association of Counties (WSAC) Legislative Steering Committee, which has voted to endorse at least some of the items on the list.
The list has been dynamic, starting off in January with Salmon Recovery, streamlined sales taxation for internet sales at the point of delivery, mental and public health issues, Lopez Hill, and Capron funding. Holding the top spots.
Over the year the list lost, gained and retained items, including Orca protection and ferry “issues”.
By April, some of the Council members (Rosenfeld, Lichter, & Peterson) had traveled to the mainland for some face-to-face meetings with at the state capital testifying on behalf of the county; and it has now started to pay off.
What the final outcome will be is yet to be decided, and while San Juan County may be “the jewel of the state”, it does not have much worth in buying support from the state legislators; but hope springs eternal.
The WSAC Draft 2008 Position Statements are:
Council Sub-Committee Formed on Stormwater Issue
(L-R Ray Bigler, Pauli Gavora, Alex Gavora, Gordy Petersen, Lori Petersen, County Community Dev & Planning Director/ County Administrator Pro Tem Ron Henrickson, Council Clerk Laura Tuttle listen as County Council conduct telephone conference call -County photo)
As promised, the county council moved quickly last Friday to explore new ways to fund the storm water ordinance, and not wanting to wait the three weeks until the council meets again, they held a meeting by phone to discuss setting up a Council Sub-committee that would report back to the full committee; perhaps as soon as they hold their next scheduled meeting on November 27.
After everyone was on the phone, and Chairman Bob Myhr called the group to order, Councilman Alan Lichter proposed “That the Council establish a sub-committee, to review the issue of funding the stormwater situation.”
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